While Earth Day started in the US in 1970, it has become an international reason to take a stand on environmental issues. And you can get in on the act. For events going on in your area, take a look at this Earth Day Event Map.

And if you don’t see something of interest, consider starting your own Earth Day activity. For instance, you could host a green scavenger hunt. Just arm scavenger participants with disposable cameras and have teams race to be the first one to fill the camera with pictures of people doing eco-friendly things.

For more ways to join in the fun, visit the Earth Day in a Box event planning site with ideas, tips, and help.

 

In what is yet another reason to recycle and reuse, the aroma from one landfill in Massachusetts has created a very interesting job opening.

According to Environmental Graffiti, the town of Northhampton, MA has hired a “sniff squad” to determine whether the odor from their landfill is too much for the surrounding homes to bear.

Sensitive noses only need apply.

 -Valerie

Whether fighting global warming or ManBearPig, I'm ready to follow Al Gore. And to show my support, I might just have to get one of the new WWAGD reusable shopping bags.

That's right. Before you turn on a light or buy items shipped from far away, think "What would Al Gore do?" He won a Nobel Peace Prize, after all.

-Jess 

Surf’s up! Heading out into the sun, we all know to put on sunscreen. But at the store, you may want to grab the biodegradable sunscreen instead of more chemically-filled alternatives. Why? Think of all those chemicals washing off and going straight into the ocean. Plus, the biodegradable stuff is better for your skin too. With that news, it’s time to hit the waves and get a tan.

-Jess 

Keep an eye on the videos on the main MTV SWITCH site because there’s always something new and something cool to see. Check out your favorite artists giving environmental tips.

Bands like Audioslave, Bloc Party, Good Charlotte, KT Tunstall, and Fall Out Boy are all about staying eco-friendly. MTV, musicians, and you are all going green. Awesome.

-Jess 

If you've ever volunteered to help pick up litter, you may have noticed that beer bottles are second only to cigarette butts in their abundance. But all that glass has the potential to be more than trash.

In China , a farmer took 66 bottles of beer and set them up on his roof as a solar water heater. And Heineken once produced square beer bottles that could have a second use as bricks for housing. Now that’s thinking out of the bottle!

-Jess 

Some things seem easier to recycle than others. I mean, paper & metal cans are easy. But, what about other old or unwanted items that might be cluttering your closets and drawers? Before you simply toss them in the trash, give these eco-friendly alternatives a try…

CD and DVD cases

What to do with those old plastic CD and DVD cases? Some communities have drop-off spots for recycling just those sorts of plastics. But you could also check in with your local library to find out of they could use the cases, or even use an online “swap” service like Freecycle to donate them to a person who could put them to good use!

Cell Phones

Cell phones contain some materials that are toxic and can pollute the environment. Some cell phone providers have established recycling programs for their products, and some non-profit programs redistribute the refurbished phones to people in need. There are many resources online to help you find a way to give new life to that old phone or at least dispose of it responsibly.

Computers

That old computer might seem obsolete to you, but if it is still in working order a charity might be able to use it! This includes unwanted monitors, printers, keyboards and other items. And if the machine is broken, don’t just dump it in a landfill! Like cell phones, computers have potentially hazardous parts that might poison the environment. Check out programs that responsibly dispose of these items – many have special dates and areas for pick-up!

-Valerie